… Ihedioha renames Jacob Zuma road to Mbazuike Amaechi
By Valentine Amanze
Imo State Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, possesses the qualities to rebuild the state, says Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo.
Also, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. John Nwodo, said that with Ihedioha at the helm of affairs that there was hope for a new beginning for Imo State and the Igbo nation.
The commendation was coming on the heels of the renaming of Jacob Zuma road to Mbazulike Amaechi road by the governor as a mark of honour to the foremost nationalist on his 90th birthday celebration.
But Obasanjo, Nwodo and other leaders visited the governor at his Mbutu country home in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area.
They were in the state for the 90th birthday celebration of foremost nationalist and elder-statesman, Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi, which held in Owerri, Monday.
At the event, Obasanjo said to Ihedioha: “Some of us have said, you have what it takes to make this state one of the leading states in our country.
“I congratulate you on your emergence as Governor of Imo State. God will give you the courage and the strength to live up to expectations.
“I believe that God who made you Governor of Imo State this time will give you the knowledge to do what needs to be done for Imo State, to make it one of the leading states in the country. While congratulating you on your electoral victory, I pray the Almighty God to enable you to govern well.
“Having eminently served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, you are eminently qualified to make Imo State one of the best states.
“You have to bring to bear your wealth of knowledge and extensive contact to the service of Imo State and the South East.”
Contributing, the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr.John Nnia Nwodo, commended former President Obasanjo for his statesman role in the country by remaining apolitical.
He said that the former president comments fairly on compelling national issues particularly on Igbo Presidency.
His words: “There is hope and a new beginning for Igbo nation with the quality of leadership provided by Governor Ihedioha.
“We have a governor who is humble, experienced and who is not afraid to appoint people who posses more academic accomplishments than him or those who have more exposure in governance than him.
“In Governor Ihedioha’s government, you have former ministers serving as commissioners, serving as Chairmen of various committees.”
Responding, Governor Ihedioha said that his administration was on track in rebuilding Imo State, stressing that his efforts were yielding desired results to the admiration of all and sundry.
He assured that he would not disappoint, stating that his administration was focused to achieving its promises to the people of the state.
Meanwhile, Mbazulike Amechi, who was honoured by the Imo State governor, is a native of Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He played a very significant role in nationalist movements that led to the attainment of Nigeria’s Independence.
He was elected as a member of the House of Representatives in 1959 and was appointed Minister of Aviation and Transport in 1962.
He is also the only surviving member of Zikist Movement, founded by father of nationalism and Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.